[ad_1]
Of: TT
Published:
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / TT
An antenna aimed at space at the Swedish space base Esrange. Stock Photography
The government is investing SEK 90 million in building infrastructure to send satellites into orbit from the Esrange space base.
Money is additional fuel in the space race where Sweden competes against other European countries.
The new investment of SEK 90 million over three years is presented in connection with Matilda Ernkrans (S), Minister of Higher Education and Research, who inaugurated a new test facility for rocket technology in Esrange, outside Kiruna, which the government has previously sponsored with 80 million SEK.
– We know that it provides jobs here and now, it will attract new high-tech companies to Norrbotten, but also to other parts of Sweden where we have a strong space industry, and it will continue to develop our already strong space research, says Matilda Ernkrans for TT.
Peaceful purposes
The satellites will only be used for civilian purposes, so the Armed Forces will not use them to, for example, spy on other countries, according to the minister.
– Sweden has a long and firm commitment to the peaceful use of space. We have continued that commitment, says Ernkrans.
– No less important, the launch of a satellite is closely related to improving our life on earth. These are satellites that are absolutely necessary, for example, for our environmental and climate monitoring.
“All the strength ahead”
The Esrange space base on the outskirts of Kiruna is owned by the state-owned Swedish Space Company (SSC). The company’s CEO, Stefan Gardefjord, expects the first satellites to launch in 2022.
– It is in the nature of things that must take place in collaboration and symbiosis with the world’s leading players and customer demand. It’s a bit of a poignant goal, but we think it’s important to have great ambition and push it forward with full force, says Gardefjord.
Therefore, Sweden may be the first to have the ability to put small satellites into orbit from European territory, as long as other countries do not have time before.
– This is an area in which several countries intend to invest, which I think is very positive and confirms our image that there is a great need. We are talking about Norway, England, Scotland and other countries. We do not control the rate at which other countries carry out their activities, but we believe that 2022 will mean that we have good conditions to be first, says Gardefjord.
Published:
